3 Chicago Bears Who Locked up Roster Spots After Preseason Week 2

The Chicago Bears improved their preseason record to 3-0 thanks to a decisive win over the visiting Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday. Serving as the first game at Soldier Field in over seven months, the Bears debuted several newcomers to the Chicago faithful, including draftees Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze as well as acquired veterans like Keenan Allen and Gerald Everett.

As exciting as it is to see the stars walk onto the Bermuda grass for the first time professionally, the preseason is and always will be about identifying the players who can round out a roster and provide quality depth throughout the strenuous NFL season. With that in mind, here are three players who likely earned themselves a full-time roster spot on Saturday, and what their role with the team may look like in September and beyond;

Quarterback Brett Rypien

Veteran Brett Rypien would have been hard-pressed to come into town and take over the second-string job that currently belongs to Tyson Bagent, but the five-year pro continues to show his value in this offense. Through three games, Rypien's stat line has been impressive and efficient to the tune of 15 completions out of 21 attempts, resulting in 229 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions.

Rypien will likely be called upon as the team's "emergency" quarterback, a role new to the league in 2023. Essentially, the NFL has now allowed teams to dress a third quarterback on gamedays in hopes of avoiding a situation where a team has to rely on the play of a non-quarterback (see Christian McCaffrey in the 2022 NFC Championship game).

In regards to rookie Austin Reed - Rypien's main competition for the third spot - the undrafted player has unfortunately had many opportunities taken away from him, both from the rained-out Hall of Fame game and the extension of the starters' playing time against the Bengals. It would not be surprising to see Reed take an increased share of the snaps in the team's final preseason contest, but it appears fairly certain that Rypien will win the job on the final roster.

Tight End Stephen Carlson

It is unclear exactly how many tight ends the Chicago Bears will have on their final roster, but Stephen Carlson has put together a good argument to stay around for a little while longer. A big, physical target over the middle, Carlson has been a consistent offensive threat through three games, hauling in four catches for 47 yards while also contributing as a solid blocker in both the rushing and passing attacks.

Tight ends Cole Kmet, Gerald Everett, and Marcedes Lewis all seem practical locks to make the team's final roster, but Carlson can provide a unique value comparatively on special teams. With the new kickoff rules, there are likely different types of depth players that will be assigned specialist roles, and Carlson is a prime candidate for such an opportunity.

In fact, general manager Ryan Poles joined the broadcast on Saturday, where he discussed that exact topic with Adam Amin and Jim Miller. Poles commented that he and special teams coach Richard Hightower are looking at which players fit in well with their new special team's schemes, and specifically mentioned tight ends as a position - alongside defensive ends and linebackers - that could impact special teams in a more significant manner. Carlson appears to be the best option as a depth player to contribute on both offense and special teams.

Defensive End Daniel Hardy

Piggybacking off of Poles's comments during the game on Saturday, Daniel Hardy is another player who has played well at his standard position and may yet help on special teams throughout the regular season.

Looking at his production through the preseason solely as a defensive player, Hardy has been a pleasant surprise and currently leads the team with 3.5 sacks, 2.5 of which came against the Buffalo Bills. Opposite rookie Austin Booker, Hardy has established himself as a relentless pass rusher who can make a real impact, especially if he continues to improve his techniques.

The pecking order at edge rusher is somewhat conflated outside of Pro Bowler Montez Sweat, leaving space and opportunity for Hardy to continue to improve his standing if he continues to impact opposing offenses. The front office has less incentive to keep a signed player like Hardy over drafted talent such as Booker, but Hardy seems to match the physical and mental makeup that the Bears covet across the defensive line. With a strong performance in the team's final preseason contest, it would be hard to let a player of Hardy's ability walk away from this team for nothing. `